Tue Dec 02 16:40:00 UTC 2025: ## Red Bull Shakes Up Driver Lineup for 2026: Hadjar to Partner Verstappen, Tsunoda to Reserve Role

Abu Dhabi, UAE – In a surprising announcement ahead of the season-ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, Red Bull Racing has revealed a major shakeup to its driver lineup for the 2026 Formula 1 season. Formula 1 rookie Isack Hadjar will be promoted to the senior team alongside Max Verstappen, while fan-favorite Yuki Tsunoda will transition to a test and reserve driver role. Liam Lawson will continue racing for the junior team, Racing Bulls, alongside exciting teenage prospect Arvid Lindblad.

Hadjar’s impressive debut season with Racing Bulls, highlighted by a podium finish at the Dutch Grand Prix, has clearly impressed the Red Bull hierarchy. Team boss Laurent Mekies praised Hadjar’s speed and maturity, stating, “In his first F1 season, he has displayed great maturity and proved to be a quick learner… We believe Isack can thrive alongside Max and produce the magic on track.”

Tsunoda’s move comes despite his popularity and solid performance within the Red Bull program. His reserve role will allow him to be on standby to replace any of the four Red Bull or Racing Bulls drivers should the need arise. While Tsunoda’s ties to Honda, which is ending its partnership with Red Bull, reportedly played a role in his initial promotion, he ultimately struggled to match Verstappen’s pace, mirroring the experiences of previous Red Bull teammates like Sergio Pérez and Pierre Gasly.

The move signals a bold commitment to youth and a long-term vision for Red Bull as Formula 1 enters a new era with significant regulation changes in 2026. The team will also begin building its own engines, marking a new chapter after its successful partnership with Honda.

Liam Lawson, despite previous demotions, has secured another season with Racing Bulls, partnering with 18-year-old Arvid Lindblad. Lindblad’s promotion has been expected for months, and Lawson has impressed the team with his resilience and performance, especially in the latter half of the season.

Red Bull’s decision to announce the lineup changes ahead of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix is seen as an effort to avoid the messy PR situation that followed Daniel Ricciardo’s exit last year. With Verstappen still in championship contention against McLaren drivers Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri, the team aims to focus on the title fight while also solidifying its future driver strategy.

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